The Australian Department of Defence has declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the Airbus Military KC-30A – its designation for the A330 MRTT.

The announcement was made on the opening day of the Australian International Airshow, Avalon, by Minister for Defence Stephen Smith (pictured above) and Minister for Defence Materiel Mike Kelly.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) accepted the fifth and final MRTT from Airbus Military on 30 November last year. The aircraft was delivered to RAAF Base Amberley in early December 2012.  As well, the RAAF completed the first Australian pilot and Air Refuelling Operator courses at the MRTT training centre (RAAF Base Amberley) in December 2012.

Airbus Military Vice President Derivative Programmes, Antonio Caramazana said: “We very much welcome the announcement of the Initial Operating Capability of the KC-30A. This reinforces the fact that the A330 MRTT is the world´s only certified and flying new generation tanker/transport and the RAAF is to be commended for its dedication and commitment to bringing the aircraft to operational status.”

In RAAF service the A330 MRTT is equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.